FAIRFAX, Va. – Just two days after knocking off Southern Conference foe Davidson College, the wrestling Keydets of VMI split a pair of dual matches at the Patriot Duals, hosted by George Mason University Saturday afternoon.

In their first match, the Keydets (3-6) fell to Cleveland State 22-15, despite a furious comeback in the upper weight classes. But the loss was short lived as VMI rebounded in the next match, taking down host George Mason 21-17, winning six of the 10 bouts.

Senior 174-pounder Matthew Brock went 2-0 during the Patriot Duals, pinning his first opponent in the second round, followed by a 4-0 decision in the second. Sophomore heavyweight Andrew Embree also went 2-0, winning both his matches 8-1. Likewise, John Dommert went 2-0 at 184 pounds, running his winning streak to three.

In the opener, VMi did not pick up any team points until the 141 pound match as Zeb Stewart picked up an 8-6 decision. The Keydets dropped the next three weights, but went on to win three of the four final bouts. Brock kicked off back-to-back wins with his second round pin of Aric Thurn in 4:35. John Dommert got VMI’s next win at 184 pounds, shutting out Robert Blankenship 3-0 and cutting the Vikings’ lead to just 12-18.

After dropping 197 pounds, Embree won his first match of the day 8-1 over Garry Yarborogh to seal the Keydets 18 points.

In the second match of the afternoon, VMI cut an early deficit in half as Ryan Goodsell edged Zachary Isenhour 4-2, getting VMI to within three, down 3-6. David Yost knotted the action at 9-9, after the Keydets fell at 141 pounds. Yost notched his second win by fall this season, putting Shohei Takagi on his back in 5:54.

The Keydets logged three straight win at 165, 174 and 184 pounds, starting with freshman Carry Joseph ending a five-match losing skid. The rookie picked up a 5-3 decision over Ty Knepp to put VMI within striking distance, down just 12-13.

Brock notched his 17th decision of the season at 174 pounds, blanking Steve Swayze 4-0 to give VMI its first lead of the afternoon. Brock, who has won his last seven matches, has collected 11 shutouts this season and has not allowed a point in his last three matches.

Dommert locked up his second win of the afternoon with an 8-1 decision to nearly put the match out of the Patriots’ reach 18-13. Mason kept things close after a major decision at 197, pulling back to within one of the Keydet lead.

Embree logged the deciding win with a narrow 3-1 margin over Hunter Manspile, giving VMI its second win of the week.

VMI will head to Millersville University next week as the Keydets take on the Marauders on Jan. 26. Action is slated to begin at 7 p.m.